The Stanley Cup playoffs are a rigorous grind that constantly tests a team’s depth, and the Carolina Hurricanes are no exception. After suffering an injury two games into the playoffs, defenseman Brett Pesce of the Canes is doubtful to return. Tony DeAngelo was the next guy up, and he declared himself prepared to replace Pesce.
Following a team practice at PNC Arena on Wednesday, DeAngelo stated, “It’s never good when you lose one of the best players on the team. I hope I can come in and try to pick up with what he’s been doing, do a good job and help the team win.” It’s difficult. However, you must be prepared for whatever happens when it does.I have the opportunity to assist and perhaps change things by coming in.
After the Hurricanes’ incredible comeback victory in Game 2 on Monday, they now have a 2-0 lead over the New York Islanders in the first-round series. The Islanders’ UBS Arena will host Game 3 on Thursday. The next two games will take place on Long Island. Pesce, who has been paired with Brady Skjei for the past several seasons, has often provided Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour with strong performance on a deep defensive corps that can compete with any in the NHL. The two seasoned players seamlessly complemented one another.
It’s unfortunate that Pesce will miss so much of the postseason due to a lower-body injury, especially on a non-contact play. DeAngelo didn’t want to be in the starting lineup, but he’s now needed for the season’s most crucial, high-stakes games and will probably play in the Canes’ second defensive tandem with Skjei.
Brind’Amour stated on Wednesday, “We know what he is if we decide to go that way.” “He is undoubtedly a talented player, and we have great confidence in him.”
Throughout the regular season, 28-year-old DeAngelo was the Canes’ seventh defenseman and frequently a healthy scratch. He only made 31 appearances, scoring three goals and dishing out eight assists, thus he spent a lot of time sitting down. We were healthy this year, so it’s unfortunate he didn’t get to play much, Brind’Amour said. However, that is precisely the reason you want a guy like that around. With the Canes, DeAngelo has playoff experience. Prior to Carolina being eliminated by the New York Rangers in the second round of the 2022 playoffs, he had contributed ten assists and one goal in all 14 games.
Before moving to Carolina, DeAngelo and Skjei were colleagues with the Rangers; Skjei was acquired in a trade in 2020, while DeAngelo signed as a free agent in 2021. After the 2022–2023 season, DeAngelo joined the Philadelphia Flyers, but the Canes signed him back as a free agent prior to the current campaign. “We have a long history together,” DeAngelo remarked of Skjei. “I’m excited about our first-ever playoff game together, even though it will be our first together. With his skating and defensive style, he creates a terrific pairing, and I try to be the aggressor.
Skjei is a dangerous player who can rush into offensive situations since his 13 goals and 47 points during the regular season were the highest of any Canes defenseman. DeAngelo has never hesitated to carry it out. Brady will get the puck, DeAngelo declared on Wednesday. A few steps away, Skjei grinned and retorted, “I’m getting Tony the puck.” “Hopefully we have the puck the whole time,” DeAngelo responded. Pesce was referred to by Skjei as a “huge part of our team,” and the two of them “had a good thing going.” The injury now. In the postseason, you get back up fast and continue playing.
